Campaigners fear a lift at West Hampstead Overground station to improve access for the disabled may not be built because of delays to station upgrade work.

Last year £1million was awarded by the government’s Access for All scheme to build a lift at the station in West End Lane, which is used by thousands of commuters every day. But the money must be spent by 2014.

Campaigners say they were told by Transport for London (TfL) that the station upgrade would not go ahead until money linked to a development in nearby West End Square has been released.

Campaigners fear the West End Square development, which was granted planning permission a year ago, is unlikely to be built by 2014 – meaning the lift grant could be lost.

Virginia Berridge, chairman of the West Hampstead Amenity and Transport group, said: “We are worried that the money that has already been awarded for the lifts is in danger of not being used.”

Howard Smith, of TfL, said: “We are currently working to co-ordinate the installation of the lifts with other works due to take place at the station.”

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